Paleolithic Micoquien Neanderthal Bifacial Stone Axe

Western Europe, likely France, Middle Paleolithic, Micoquien, ca. 130,000 to 60,000 BCE. A rare Micoquien chert stone flaked into a bifacial tool that was made by Neanderthals! The surface is a pretty ochre yellow hue with a smooth and lustrous patina from years of exposure. Micoquian was stone tool industry that overlapped with the Mousterian culture (160,000 to 40,000), an early phase within the Middle Paleolithic era, distinguished by the emergence of markedly asymmetrical bifaces. Micoquien era wedges, which were primarily sourced from excavations at La Micoque in France, this site is the namesake for this prehistoric period. Size: 5.25" L x 2" W (13.3 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Manhattan, Illinois, USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-J.L. Gasnier collection

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#184018
Condition Report: Find site and old inventory number on the surface. Nice desert patina from exposure - smooth and lustrous surface. Old abrasions and pitting.